Adjustable pull down exercise bar

ABSTRACT

A pivotally adjustable pull bar for attachment to an exercise apparatus. The pull bar has handles carried on a handle shaft that are pivotally adjustable about a longitudinal axis of the pull bar. The adjustment permits the pull bar to be configured for a variety of pulling exercises to develop muscle groups based on the orientation of the handles relative to the pull bar. The handle shaft and handles may also be pivoted to a stowed position where the handles are folded inwardly to the center of the bar, thereby reducing the length of the bar for shipping and transport.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application No. 62/449,938, filed Jan. 24, 2017, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to exercise equipment and, more particularly, to bars for pull-type exercise machines.

Pull-type exercise machines come in both vertical and horizontal orientations, for pull-down or rowing type exercises. To develop the various muscle groups, a variety of bars may be coupled to the machine. The presence of multiple bars can lead to additional clutter or hazards in a gym. Moreover, equipping a gym with multiple bars can represent a significant added expense due to their length and weight.

Because other pulldown bars are static, they don't allow for adjustment to perform a variety of exercises. Accordingly, a fitness center may have a variety of bars available for their patrons. This can reduce the efficiency of a work out session where a user must change bars for different exercises. If a desired bar is being utilized by another patron, the individual may be precluded from performing a particular exercise while they wait for the bar to become available.

As can be seen, there is a need for an adjustable pull bar to providing for a more effective and complete exercise program.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, an adjustable pull bar for connection to an exercise apparatus is provided. The pull bar includes an elongate center bar having a first end and a second end, with an attachment point located at a midpoint of the center bar that is configured to selectively attach the elongate bar to a connection the exercise apparatus. A handle shaft has a proximal end and a distal end, with the proximal end pivotally coupled to each of the first end and the second end. Each handle shaft is angularly adjustable about a longitudinal axis of the center bar to one of a plurality of selectable pull positions. A handle grip is disposed at the distal end of the handle shaft and is configured to be gripped by a user to perform a pulling exercise.

In other aspects of the invention, the handle shaft is adjustable to a stowed position in which the distal end of the handle shaft is positioned proximal to the attachment point and the handle shaft is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the center bar.

A pair of bracket plates may be secured to lateral sides of the center bar at each of the first and second ends such that the pair of bracket plates define a channel configured to receive the proximal end of the handle shaft. An axially aligned pivot hole extends through the pair of bracket plates and is configured to receive a pivot pin through the pair of bracket plates and a corresponding pivot hole defined through the proximal end of the handle shaft.

In other aspects of the invention, a plurality of pull adjustment apertures are defined in axially opposed pairs through the pair of bracket plates in a spaced apart relation. A corresponding pull adjustment aperture is defined through an intermediate portion of the handle shaft. A pull adjustment pin is configured to be captively received through the axially opposed pair and the corresponding pull adjustment aperture to secure the handle shaft in one of plurality of pull down positions.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the adjustable pull bar shown in an exemplary initial configuration.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the adjustable pull bar shown in an exemplary secondary configuration.

FIG. 3 is a detail exploded view of the adjustable pull bar.

FIG. 4 is a section detail view of the adjustable pull bar taken long line 4-4 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the pull bar shown in a stowed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides an improved pull bar for an exercise apparatus. The pull bar may be connected to one or more of an overhead pull down exercise apparatus, a horizontal pulling or rowing exercise apparatus, or similar apparatus involving a pulling motion. Typically, the exercise apparatus includes a connection, such as a cable to a movable weight stack, or other adjustable weight resistance system.

As seen in reference to the drawings, an adjustable pull bar for an exercise apparatus includes an elongate center bar 10 having a first end and a second end. An attachment point 11 is provided at a midpoint of the center bar 10. The attachment point 11 is configured to selectively attach the pull bar 10 to a connection 28 on the exercise apparatus, typically a movable cable operatively coupled to an adjustable weight resistance system. The connection may also include a snap link, or readily removable link to facilitate removal of the pull bar from the exercise apparatus.

A handle shaft 20 has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is pivotally coupled to each of the first end and the second end of the center bar 10. A handle grip 18 is disposed at the distal end and is configured to be gripped by a user to perform a pulling exercise. The pivotal coupling permits each handle shaft 20 to be angularly adjustable about a longitudinal axis of the center bar 10 to one of a plurality of selectable pull positions. By way of example, the handle shaft 20 may be selected to extend linearly along the longitudinal axis of the center bar 10. The handle shaft 20 may also be selectively positioned at an angle offset from the longitudinal axis of the center bar.

In some embodiments, the handle shaft 20 is adjustable to a stowed position as shown in reference to FIG. 5. In the stowed position the distal end of the handle shaft 20 carrying the handle grip 18 is positioned proximal to the attachment point 11 so that the handle shaft 20 is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the center bar. The stowed position is advantageous to reduce storage space for the bar that may be required at a fitness center, for example. The stowed position is also advantageous to reduce the overall length and volume of a shipping container for the adjustable pull bar to reduce shipping costs. It also permits and individual to transport their own bar between their home to a fitness center.

A pair of bracket plates 12 are preferably secured to the lateral sides of the center bar 10 at each of the first and second ends. The pair of bracket plates 12 are aligned to define a channel that is configured to receive the proximal end of the handle shaft 20 for rotational movement within the channel. An axially aligned pivot hole 14 extends through the pair of bracket plates 12 and is configured to receive a pivot pin 24 through the pair of bracket plates 12 and a corresponding pivot hole 19 defined through the proximal end of the handle shaft 20.

A plurality of pull adjustment apertures 16 are defined in axially opposed pairs through the pair of bracket plates 20. The pull adjustment apertures 16 are disposed in a spaced apart relation to permit adjust the handle shaft 20 to one of a plurality of pull positions. A corresponding pull adjustment aperture 21 is defined through an intermediate portion of the handle shaft 20. A pull adjustment pin 22 is configured to be captively received through the axially opposed pair of adjustment apertures 16 and the corresponding pull adjustment aperture 21 to secure the handle shaft 20 in one of plurality of pull down positions. A pair of axially aligned stow apertures 17 may also be provided in the plates 12. The pull adjustment pin 22 is received through the stow apertures 17 and the corresponding pull adjustment aperture 21 to secure the handle shaft 20 in the stowed position. The pull adjustment pin 22 and pivot pin 24 may be one of a hitch pin with a cotter pin 30, a pawl, or a threaded fastener, to removably secure the pins 22, 24 to the bar 10. A ring 26 may be provided on the pull adjustment pin 22 to facilitate removal of the pin 22 when changing pull positions.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An adjustable pull bar for an exercise apparatus, comprising: an elongate center bar having a first end and a second end, an attachment point at a midpoint of the center bar, the attachment point configured to selectively attach the elongate bar to a connection the exercise apparatus, a handle shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end pivotally coupled to each of the first end and the second end, wherein each handle shaft is angularly adjustable about a longitudinal axis of the center bar to one of a plurality of selectable pull positions; and a handle grip disposed at the distal end and configured to be gripped by a user to perform a pulling exercise.
 2. The adjustable pull bar of claim 1, wherein the handle shaft is adjustable to a stowed position in which the distal end of the handle shaft is positioned proximal to the attachment point and the handle shaft is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the center bar.
 3. The adjustable pull bar of claim 1, further comprising: a pair of bracket plates secured to a lateral sides of the center bar at each of the first and second ends wherein the pair of bracket plates define a channel configured to receive the proximal end of the handle shaft; an axially aligned pivot hole extending through the pair of bracket plates configured to receive a pivot pin through the pair of bracket plates and a corresponding pivot hole defined through the proximal end of the handle shaft.
 4. The adjustable pull bar of claim 3, further comprising: a plurality of pull adjustment apertures defined in axially opposed pairs through the pair of bracket plates in a spaced apart relation; and a corresponding pull adjustment aperture defined through an intermediate portion of the handle shaft.
 5. The adjustable pull bar of claim 4, further comprising: a pull adjustment pin configured to be captively received through the axially opposed pair and the corresponding pull adjustment aperture to secure the handle shaft in one of plurality of pull down positions.
 6. The adjustable pull bar of claim 5, further comprising: a stow aperture defined through the pair of bracket plates configured to retain the handle shaft in the stowed position.
 7. An adjustable pull bar for an exercise apparatus, comprising: an elongate center bar having an attachment point at a midpoint of the center bar, the attachment point configured to selectively connect to the exercise apparatus, a handle shaft having a proximal end pivotally coupled to each of a first end and a second end of the center bar, wherein each handle shaft is angularly adjustable about a longitudinal axis of the center bar between a stowed position and one of a plurality of selectable pull positions.
 8. The adjustable pull bar of claim 7, further comprising: a pair of bracket plates secured to a lateral sides of the center bar at each of the first and second ends wherein the pair of bracket plates define a channel configured to receive the proximal end of the handle shaft; an axially aligned pivot hole extending through the pair of bracket plates configured to receive a pivot pin through the pair of bracket plates and a corresponding pivot hole defined through the proximal end of the handle shaft.
 9. The adjustable pull bar of claim 8, further comprising: a plurality of pull adjustment apertures defined in axially opposed pairs through the pair of bracket plates; and a corresponding pull adjustment aperture defined through an intermediate portion of the handle shaft.
 10. The adjustable pull bar of claim 9, further comprising: a pull adjustment pin configured to be captively received through the axially opposed pair and the corresponding pull adjustment aperture to secure the handle shaft in one of plurality of pull down positions.
 11. The adjustable pull bar of claim 10, further comprising: a handle grip attached to the distal end of the handle shaft, the handle grip configured to be grasped by a user for one or more pulling exercises. 